Zaima calls for youth leadership, space for new voices

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, has called for opening up leadership from the young generation and creating space for new voices in politics, stressing the need for inclusive participation to strengthen democratic practice.

She made the call on Saturday afternoon during an informal interaction with the winners of a national reel-making competition titled ‘Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh’ at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Dhaka’s Gulshan area. Tarique Rahman was also present at the event.

“During the ‘Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh’ reel-making competition meet-and-greet, what struck me most was the clarity with which the young winners spoke about their hopes, dreams, and concerns for the country,” Zaima said.

As someone who belongs to the same generation and shares many of the same anxieties and aspirations, I recognised myself in their words and perspectives, she said.

Young people are done with recycled politics and closed rooms. They’re calling for a new era where policy is driven by merit and ideas.

What I heard was a demand for real influence, not symbolic engagement. Influence that brings accountability, transparency, and policies that actually respond to people’s lives. A future built by a select few, again and again, isn’t a future that lasts.

My father has always valued open discussion and the exchange of ideas. It meant a lot to see him engage so deeply with such bright young minds. After the event, he was inspired by their patriotism and creativity, and came away determined to help create more spaces where young people can flourish, whatever path they choose to channel their talents into.

Stressing the need for inclusive participation to strengthen democratic practice, Zaima said, “If we’re serious about change, we have to open up leadership from the youth, from the margins, make space for new voices, new energy, and new thinking. Not later. Now.”